Paddy McGuinness is 50 and Chris Harris isn’t far off. They’re off on an epic quest to crack the code of ageing well, seeking secrets from the European nations who do midlife the best.
- Episode one, Sweden - Paddy and Chris head to Sweden, one of the healthiest, most ‘outdoorsy’ places on earth.
- Episode two, Greece - For the second leg of their European health adventure middle aged mates Paddy McGuiness and Chris Harris touch down on the rocky Greek island of Ikaria, nicknamed the island of longevity.
- Episode three, Switzerland - For their final journey, Paddy and Chris are heading to Switzerland to explore its multi-million-pound wellness industry.
Watch Paddy and Chris: Road Tripping on BBC iPlayer and BBC One on Sunday 29 September at 8pm.
Interview with Paddy McGuinness
What can you tell us about this new series?
Chris and I head out on a road trip together across Europe (with not much space in our vehicle I should add). We are on a mission to explore all the different ways our continental neighbours grow old gracefully. We’re at a point in our lives where we want to make the most of our years ahead, so we try out as many experiences as we can to learn how some of the oldest and well preserved people on the planet are doing it!
What experiences do you both get up to?
We’ve really tried to tap into both the traditional and modern methods of ‘living well’ that is adopted by each of the countries we visit. From Swedish saunas, to milking goats, rock climbing, and even visiting a ‘gentleman’s clinic’…you name it and we try it!
Was there a favourite place you visited?
I really enjoyed the experiences on the Greek island of Ikaria, seeing people leave all the complications of modern day life and technology behind, and just getting out there and enjoying everything life has to offer.
Have you learnt anything about yourself along the way?
There are some moments where we both really do some soul searching and think about how we can make the most of the years ahead of us.
Have you learnt anything about the other person?
I could mention many things about the enigma that is Chris Harris, but alongside all the laughs and banter, we genuinely learn a lot about ourselves and each other on this trip, which has been eye-opening. I have also learnt, however, that Chris has terrible taste in music and should never be given control of the car radio again!
Paddy and Chris on a balcony at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz (Image: BBC/BBC Studios)
Are there any lifestyle habits you want to pick up or lose, as a result of the trip?
I definitely think taking our health seriously is a big thing we’ve both learnt. We’re not as young as we once were, and the science definitely tells us that!
Who had control of the car radio on the trip? Any favourite road trip songs?
You can’t beat a bit of Johnny Cash on a road trip. Luckily for Chris, he was travelling with Bolton’s best karaoke performer too, so the hours on the road simply melted away!
What are your favourite go to road trip snacks?
You can’t beat the British classics when it comes to car snacks? Mini Cheddars, Barr Shandy and a Fry’s Peppermint Cream, yes please!
Any essential travel items you always take away with you?
It’s got to be the holiday swimming trunks. I’m not talking about your usual ‘just popping to the local leisure centre’ pair of trunks, but the brightly coloured, novelty patterned ones that only come out once a year in an effort to out-dad all the other dads at the hotel pool.
Pictures and interview supplied by BBC/BBC Studios
